12 day Alaskan cruise on the Queen Elizabeth

We flew to Vancouver from Houston on June 11, 2023 and stayed the night at the Douglas Hotel in downtown Vancouver. We explored the city and took a small ferry on the False River to Grandville Market. Vancouver was beautiful, and I was sad that I never considered it as an option to visit before I took this cruise.

The next day, we departed from Vancouver. What a neat port of Canada, which is situated downtown with the sky-scrapers visible from the top deck. We departed and sailed the inside passage, which was a little surreal being that close to the shore.

We had our first port of call in icy straits, where we got off the ship and enjoyed exploring.

Image 1: A waterfall gushing down a hill of rocky terrain, into a small pool of water among a green forest. Image 2: A view of an evergreen forest in the forefront, and a river, glacier and mountains beyond the forest on a cloudy day.

Image 1: A view of a city skyline on the water, with a seaplane about to land on the water. Image 2: A view of the exterior of the cruise liner at Vancouver's port, about to enter the ship.

Image 1: Travel advisor posing inside of the ship before an old-fashioned style clock and curved staircases. Image 2: A couple shot with the travel advisor inside of the ship.

Image 1: A plate of light-colored and whimsical desserts on a round, white plate. Image 2: Inside a double room of the cruise ship, with the double bed, soft chairs, small table and television.

We had ports of call in Sitka and Haines, where we again explored the city. The best port of call for me was Juneau, where I hiked down to see Nugget Falls and the Mendenhall Glacier. That is a sight that is burned into my brain. I enjoyed being there and feasting on the majesty of the glacier. We also cruised by Glacier Bay National Park. It was amazing seeing all the many glaciers. When the ship arrived at the last glacier, it spun 360 degrees to give everyone a breathtaking view. Our last stop was Victoria before returning to Vancouver. We enjoyed an excursion around the city before heading back to the airport. Alaska was not on my bucket list before, but it was so worth it.

Alaska is amazing. Make sure you visit Glacier Bay National park and Juneau.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Alaska. In need of further inspiration? Check out Desirée Aguirre’s guide, Carnival’s Alaska Cruise: 7-Day Itinerary.